Read Globally: 15 Vibrant Books That Introduce Indian Folktales, Culture, and History to Kids
by Devon A. Corneal
One of the world’s most populous countries, India is also home to a vast storytelling tradition. The energy and complexity of this melting pot of religions, languages, politics, and geographies have given rise to ancient epic poems, traditional fables, humorous tales, and fantastic new adventures. We hope these stories transport you to new experiences and pique your curiosity about this extraordinary country and the people who inhabit it.
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Picture Books
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India on a Plate!
Buy from:Explore India’s cuisine from A to Z with this delicious board book! Tiny readers will enjoy learning about the foods and delicacies India offers while learning the alphabet at the same time.
(Ages 0 - 3)Buy from: -
Archie Celebrates Diwali
Buy from:A young girl named Archie can’t wait to share the fun of Diwali with her classmates and invites them all to celebrate with her family. When bad weather threatens to put a damper on the party, Archie and her friends learn the true meaning of the holiday.
(Ages 3 - 7)Buy from: -
I'll Go and Come Back
Buy from:This tender story about an American girl visiting her grandmother in India is an excellent pick for children with relatives in another country. At first, the little girl feels out of place in India, but she quickly adapts and forms a strong bond with her grandmother.
(Ages 3 - 7)Buy from: -
My Bollywood Dream
Buy from:Movie lovers will enjoy this adorable book about masala films (movies that blend genres) and reaching for the stars. It follows a young girl and her family as they head to the cinema to watch a movie and enjoy dancing along. In the end, readers see the girl as a grown-up directing her own masala movie.
(Ages 3 - 7)Buy from: -
Tomatoes for Neela
Buy from:Neela and her mom head to the market to shop for tomatoes in this gorgeous picture book from the host of Top Chef and Taste the Nation. In the story, Neela learns about the varieties of tomatoes and how each one plays a significant role in her family’s favorite dishes. This book is a love letter to Indian food and the tradition of passing recipes down through the generations.
(Ages 3 - 7)Buy from: -
Raashi's Rakhis: A New Celebration of Raksha Bandhan
Buy from:This book introduces children to the Raksha Bandhan festival and challenges the idea that traditions should never change. Raashi believes girls should also receive the handmade bracelets given only to boys during the festival. She shows her family and loved ones that traditions can become even better when we embrace change.
(Ages 4 - 8)Buy from: -
My Dadima Wears a Sari
Buy from:A little girl asks her grandmother why she always wears a sari instead of a skirt and blouse. So, the grandmother takes the opportunity to explore India’s culture and heritage with her granddaughter. They comb through the grandmother’s closet, discussing the beautiful saris and their many uses.
(Ages 4 - 8)Buy from: -
Ashoka the Fierce
Buy from:Ashoka was an angry young Emperor who eagerly took his country to war. However, guilt consumed him after witnessing the horrors of war, and he turned to Buddhism to find peace in himself and the country. This fascinating story about an Indian monarch shows that people don’t have to be defined by their worst actions. They can change, become better, and use their power for good.
(Ages 4 - 8)Buy from: -
I am Gandhi
Buy from:This kid-friendly biography introduces your little reader to one of India’s most influential historical figures. Gandhi used peaceful, non-violent methods to inspire change in his beloved country. Cartoon illustrations, fun facts, photos, and highly readable text make it a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating man.
(Ages 5 - 9)Buy from:
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Middle Grade
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A Sliver of Moon and a Shard of Truth: Stories from India
Buy from:Kids love learning about different countries, and reading folktales is an enjoyable way to explore another culture. This book contains four vibrant stories featuring princes, competition, intruders, an astronomer, and a trickster, among others.
(Ages 6 - 9)Buy from: -
My Incredible India
Buy from:Travel through each region of India with this vibrantly illustrated nonfiction book for growing readers. Kids will explore this beautiful country’s wildlife, food, festivals, people, and landscape.
(Ages 7 - 10)Buy from: -
The Secret Kingdom
Buy from:This story about a lone artist and the secret kingdom he built in the jungle will captivate young readers. After the partition of India, Nek secretly began collecting odds and ends and using them to create pathways, structures, and patterns — all hidden from the world. When his kingdom gets discovered, Nek’s neighbors band together to keep it safe.
(Ages 7 - 10)Buy from: -
Seasons of Splendour
Buy from:Readers who want to get lost in the myths and legends of India can do so with this illustrated story collection. Inside, kids will find stories about gods, royals, and demons that will keep them coming back for more. Some stories are based on well-known legends, while others have no known origin. It’s the perfect book for kids who enjoy reading bite-sized stories set in another country.
(Ages 8 - 12)Buy from: -
Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom
Buy from:Kiki Kallira’s life turns upside down when the mythology-inspired drawings in her sketchbook come to life. Before she knows what happened, she gets pulled into the world she accidentally created and must join forces with a group of outcasts to save the realm from an angry god. Kids who enjoyed Percy Jackson will love this book!
(Ages 8 - 12)Buy from: -
Thirst
Buy from:When Minni starts a new job at a high-rise building in Mumbai, she discovers that water is readily available to the residents. Meanwhile, the poor people in Minni’s city deal with water shortages on a daily basis. Minni must decide whether to risk everything and expose the man responsible for the disparity or stay quiet and safe. This is a beautiful story of courage in the face of injustice.
(Ages 8 - 12)Buy from:
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2025.